Abbott handshake not enough to bring optical fibre to the bush: @Qldaah #qldpol #auspol

Out in Western Queensland a handshake is a done deal. In May 2015, the then Prime Minister Tony Abbott toured the shires of Barcoo and Diamantina in Western Queensland and inadvertently committed the Federal Government to a $16 million fibre optic project. It was sealed through a handshake with Diamantina Mayor Geoff Morton and Barcoo Mayor Julie Groves. Also present […]

Independents, pirates, and a bullet train: new faces in #GriffithVotes @GriffithElects reports

By Jan Bowman @GriffithElects 31st January 2014 Independent candidate in the Griffith by-election, Karel Boele, comes across as accomplished, considered and energetic. He has studied mechatronics, physics, and strategic affairs. He has managed large financial projects in South East Asia, and he currently runs a business which provides advice on participatory democracy and on complementary […]

Candidates fronting-up again: @GriffithElects meets two familiar faces

By Jan Bowman  @GriffithElects 28th January 2014 Inevitably in a two-party system, the media focus will be on the ALP and LNP candidates, and to a lesser extent The Greens. This is a pity, because voters can miss some very interesting issues that are often only prompted by the minor parties. Of the nine ‘other’ […]

Griffith grudge match: Glasson’s Gladiators vs Butler’s Battlers @GriffithElects reports

By Jan Bowman  @GriffithElects 25th January 2014 Having a Prime Minister as the sitting member drew significant attention to Griffith during the 2013 federal election, but there is a sense that this time around the eyes of the nation will be on Griffith with renewed interest, many seeing this by-election as the first test for […]

Amanda Bishop, the UnReal Julia Gillard: @burgewords interview

As Julia Gillard made her way through parliamentary ranks before, during and after Kevin07, the political satirists of Sydney Theatre Company’s Wharf Revue recognised they’d need to find an actress to portray the woman who would become Australia’s first female Prime Minister. From her knockout live performances, to her starring and co-writing roles in the controversial […]

Who’s been naughty or nice? Silly season starts in Griffith @GriffithElects reports

By Jan Bowman  @GriffithElects 27 November 2013 When he announced his retirement at the end of the first sitting week of Parliament, Kevin Rudd surprised not only his own colleagues, he also shocked his old foe Dr Bill Glasson. Glasson had only recently returned to work, and after some hesitation (he admits to exhaustion following […]

To Zip or Not to Zip … And Other Tragedies

By Sarah Capper 23 November 2013 In announcing his resignation from parliament last week, it seemed quite fitting that former Prime Minister and Member for Griffith Kevin Rudd quoted Shakespeare’s Hamlet – a tragedy about treachery and madness. Rudd referred to the “slings and arrows” suffered during his political career (and by his family in recent […]

Getting to grips with Griffith by @GriffithElects

[clear] by Jan Bowman  @GriffithElects 18 November 2013 Margo: Here is Jan Bowman’s reflection on being No Fibs’ citizen journo reporting the seat of Griffith at the 2013 election She’s ready to go again at the by election, and I hope you’ll help her out as Twitter’s journalist. Thank you Jan.   No more lies […]

Wake up. Roll over. Realise this could be the last morning before Tony Abbott becomes PM

By Sarah Capper 6 September 2013 Savour the moment, but only fleetingly – the incumbent PM is not exactly shaking the sauce bottle. Momentarily think about sex appeal. Come properly awake with a flurry of gag reflexes. Turn on the remnants of ABC Rage, but suddenly have painful flashback to last week and Julie Bishop’s music choices.  Realise […]

Trust, it’s not just about ‘them’: Forde wrap by @StephanieDale22

[clear] By Stephanie Dale 5 September 2013 The other day a smart, savvy, engaged woman I know told me she plans to vote informal on September 7 – her decision has as much to do with media coverage as it does with politics. In short: ” Can’t bring myself to vote for Tony Abbott, can’t forgive […]